Moore `practicing like he's been here'

Gators - The Beat

Although RB Kestahn Moore hasn't been dubbed the official starter against Wyoming, a day away from the start of Florida's new era, Moore has as much a shot as anyone to start.

"We're surprised that he's a freshman doing some of the things he's doing right now," said Stan Drayton, UF's running backs coach.

"He's not practicing like the other freshmen. He's practicing like he's been here before. He's got a sense of maturity to him and a whole lot of toughness. He may see the field, no question."

Coach Urban Meyer has, in fact, suggested that Moore might be Florida's starter during the first series against Wyoming. Perhaps the comment was made to motivate the other potential starters: DeShawn Wynn, Skyler Thornton and Markus Manson. Or perhaps Meyer really thinks Moore is ready to contribute.

"I think Kestahn is so versatile as far as good hands, big-body back, agile," said Kyle Geller, Moore's offensive coordinator at Mansfield Summit High in Arlington, Texas.

"I thought he could play anywhere, felt like some people really missed out on Kestahn. That says something about Florida's ability to recruit, if he's going to play right away."

Moore was used on a variety of option plays in high school.

Ready to go

Six days after Meyer lauded his team's practice performance for the first time this fall, he did it again. It seems as if Meyer is seeing his brand of football.

"[Friday's] a big preparation day, but we really liked our Wednesday and Thursday [practices]," he said. "That's an indication that we're ready, and I believe we're ready."

Receivers still in question

Florida's coaching staff has criticized the receiving corps for being soft. Improvement has been gradual, but the ultimate answer is coming. "They struggled a few days ago and received a little attention for that," Meyer said.

"But we'll find out Saturday. We've worked them hard these past few days."

Etc.

Meyer declared his team injury-free for Saturday, save for DL Javier Estopinan's muscle pull. . . . On the Urban Meyer Hotline Show Thursday night, the coach said sophomore Drew Miller may start at right guard Saturday. Jim Tartt, first on the depth chart at the position, continues to be slowed by a shoulder injury. . . . The Gators will have their choice of a movie every pre-game Friday. As for Meyer, he'll regularly watch college football games, which means he'll tune in for tonight's Arizona-Utah game. "I love the Utes," said Meyer, Utah's coach the past two seasons. "I can't wait to talk to their coach all the time, talk to their AD all the time, talk to their players all the time." . . .